Reconfigurable truck bed or vehicle body

ABSTRACT

A vehicle includes a vehicle chassis which carries a bed assembly. The bed assembly includes first and second connecting arm receivers extending at an angle relative to each other. The first and second connecting arm receivers include first and second openings, respectively, which face away from the vehicle. The connecting arm receivers are for receiving connecting arms attached to a panel or an accessory.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/810,478, filed on Mar. 26, 2004, and which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/460,529, filed Apr. 4, 2003, both of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to vehicles which have a truck bed.

2. Description of the Related Art

There are many different types of vehicles used for working. Examples include pick-up trucks and flat bed trucks, although there are others. These vehicles generally include a truck bed which can carry a load, as well as be used as a work surface. Examples of these types of vehicles can be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,560,666, 4,917,430, 6,170,896, and 5,267,748.

Although these vehicles are suitable for their intended purposes, they are generally limited in their ability to provide a container volume, as well as an adjustable area work surface. In particular, they are limited in their ability to switch between providing the container volume and adjustable area work surface.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a vehicle which carries a bed assembly. The bed assembly includes a bed frame connected to a chassis of the vehicle. In accordance with the invention, the bed assembly is repeatably moveable between a box configuration and a flat bed configuration. In the box configuration, the bed assembly provides a containment volume for carrying items therein. In the flat bed configuration, the bed assembly provides an adjustable area work surface.

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings and description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of a vehicle having a bed assembly, in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the vehicle of FIG. 1 with the bed assembly in a flat bed configuration.

FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the bed assembly in the flat bed configuration with an outer rear panel extension.

FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the bed assembly in the flat bed configuration with an intermediate rear panel extension, as well as the outer rear panel extension of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of one embodiment of bed assembly in the box configuration of FIG. 1, in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a connecting arm receiver assembly included with the bed assembly of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7, which is a side view of the connecting arm receiver assembly of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the bed assembly of in the flat bed configuration of FIG. 2, in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the bed assembly of FIG. 3, with the outer rear panel extension.

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the bed assembly of FIG. 4, with the outer and intermediate rear panel extensions.

FIG. 11 is a rear perspective view of a vehicle having connecting arm receivers, in accordance with the invention.

FIGS. 12 and 13 are perspective and side views, respectively, of a connecting arm receiver with an opening facing a channel of the vehicle of FIG. 11, in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 14 is a rear perspective view of an embodiment of a vehicle having sidewardly facing connecting arm receivers.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an vehicle having upwardly and sidewardly facing connecting arm receivers.

FIG. 16 is a more detailed view of the upwardly and sidewardly facing connecting arm receivers of FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is a side view of the vehicle of FIG. 11 having connecting arm receivers extending through its sidewall, in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 18 is a cut-away view of the rear of the vehicle of FIG. 11 having a connecting arm receiver with a rearward facing opening.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a cap which can be inserted into a connecting arm receiver.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of an electrician's reel with a connecting arm, in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a barbecue accessory having a pair of connecting arms, in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a winch accessory having a connecting arm, in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a container accessory having a pair of connecting arms, in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a rack accessory a pair of connecting arms, in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a ski and surf rack accessory having a pair of connecting arms, in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a ramp accessory, in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a vehicle which carries a connecting arm receiver extension, in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a vehicle having connecting arm receivers with upwardly and sidewardly facing openings, in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a vehicle having connecting arm receivers with upwardly and sidewardly facing openings.

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of a vehicle having vehicle bed with connecting arm receivers attached to its bottom surface.

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of a vehicle having a tailgate with connecting arm receivers attached thereto.

FIG. 32 is a more detailed perspective view of the tailgate of FIG. 31, in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 33 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a tailgate, in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 34 is a rear view of a vehicle having a connecting arm receiver assembly with upwardly, sidewardly and rearwardly facing openings, in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 35 is a rear view of another embodiment of a vehicle having a connecting arm receiver assembly with upwardly, sidewardly and rearwardly facing openings.

FIG. 36 is a rear perspective view of another embodiment of a vehicle having upwardly, sidewardly and rearwardly facing openings.

FIGS. 37 and 38 are views of different embodiments of connecting assemblies, in accordance with the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of a vehicle 100 having a vehicle chassis 102 and a cab 101. It should be noted that vehicle 100 can be of many different types, but here it is embodied as a truck. Vehicle chassis 102 generally provides support for the various components included with vehicle 100, such as its engine and rear wheels 300 and 301. In accordance with the invention, vehicle 100 includes a bed assembly 105 having a bed frame 106 which defines a work surface 113. Bed assembly 105 can be carried by vehicle 100 in many different ways, but here bed assembly 105 is carried on vehicle chassis 102 rearward of cab 101. It should be noted that bed assembly 105 can be included with vehicle 100 during its manufacture or afterwards as an after-market accessory.

It should also be noted that bed frame 106 can be included with vehicle chassis 102, so they are separate components. However, in this embodiment, bed frame 106 is attached to vehicle chassis 102. It should also be noted that vehicle 100 can include a storage box 104 used to store items. Storage box 104 generally includes an upwardly facing opening, which can be covered, if desired. Storage box 104 can be positioned at many different locations. In this embodiment, storage box 104 is positioned so it is carried by bed assembly 105.

In FIG. 1, bed assembly 105 is shown as being in a box configuration wherein it includes side panels 108 and 109 extending upwardly from bed frame 106 and work surface 113. In this way, panels 108 and 109 extend at a non-zero angle relative to work surface 113. In this embodiment, side panel 108 is positioned on the driver side of vehicle 100 and side panel 109 is positioned on the passenger side. Bed assembly 105 also includes a rear panel 107 extending upwardly from bed frame 106 and work surface 113 and between side panels 108 and 109. It should be noted that panels 107, 108 and 109 can be engaged with bed frame 106 in many different ways. However, panels 107, 108 and 109 are generally slidingly engaged with bed frame 106 to facilitate their engagement with and disengagement from bed frame 106.

In the box configuration, panels 107, 108 and 109 provide flat bed assembly 105 with a container volume 112 for containing items. Container volume 112 is bounded by panels 107, 108 and 109, as well as cab 101 and work surface 113. It should be noted that panels 107, 108 and 109 are shown as having openings extending therethrough. However, they are generally covered with a covering material to facilitate their use in containing items within container volume 112. It should also be noted that bed assembly 105 can be moved from the box configuration to a flat bed configuration, as will be discussed in more detail presently.

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of vehicle 100 with bed assembly 105 in the flat bed configuration. Bed assembly 105 is in the flat bed configuration when side panels 108 and 109 extend outwardly from bed frame 106, as well as the driver and passenger sides, respectively, of vehicle 100. In the flat bed configuration, side panels 108 and 109 extend parallel to work surface 113 so that work surface 113 is extended outwardly through the driver and passenger sides of vehicle 100. In this way, panels 108 and 109 increase the surface of work surface 113. It should be noted, however, that side panels 108 and 109 can extend at a non-zero angle relative to work surface 113, if desired. For example, side panels 108 and/or 109 can extend outwardly and upwardly from work surface 113. In another example, side panels can extend outwardly and downwardly from work surface 113.

In accordance with the invention, bed assembly 105 is repeatably moveable between the box and flat bed configurations of FIGS. 1 and 2. Bed assembly 105 is repeatably moveable between the box and flat bed configurations because panels 107, 108 and 109 are repeatably moveable relative to bed frame 106. For example, to move bed assembly 105 from the flat bed configuration to the box configuration, panels 108 and 109 are slidingly disengaged from bed frame 106. Panels 108 and 109 are then rotated upwardly, so they extend perpendicular to work surface 113, and then slidingly engaged with bed frame 106, as shown in FIG. 1. If desired, rear panel 107 can also be slidingly engaged with bed frame 106.

To move bed assembly 105 from the box configuration to the flat bed configuration, panels 108 and 109 are slidingly disengaged from bed frame 106 by moving them upwardly therefrom. Panels 108 and 109 are rotated sideways so they extend parallel with work surface 113, and then slidingly engaged with bed frame 106, as shown in FIG. 2. In this way, side panels 108 and 109 increase the area of working surface 113. It should be noted that work surface 113 can also be increased by having one or more panels extending rearwardly from bed frame 106, as will be discussed in more detail presently.

FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of bed assembly 105 with a rear panel extension 110. In this embodiment, rear panel extension 110 extends between side panels 108 and 109 and rearwardly from bed frame 106. In this way, rear panel extension 110 increases the area of work surface 113. It should be noted that rear panel extension 110 is repeatably removeable relative to bed frame 106 because it is slidingly engaged therewith. It should also be noted that side panels 108 and 109 are shown here as being in the flat bed configuration. However, they can be in the box configuration, if desired.

FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of bed assembly 105 with a rear panel extension 111, as well as rear panel extension 110. In this embodiment, rear panel extension 111 is positioned between rear panel extension 110 and bed frame 106. In this way, rear panel extensions 110 and 111 are outer and intermediate rear panel extensions, respectively. Rear panel extensions 110 and 111 are used to increase the area of work surface 113 rearwardly of bed frame 106. Rear panel extension 111 is repeatably removeable from the position between rear panel extension 110 and bed frame 106 and a position away from bed frame 106 and extension 110.

It should be noted that work surface 113 is shown as having openings extending through it in FIGS. 1-4. However, work surface 113 is generally covered with a covering material to facilitate its use to hold items and operate as a work surface. It should also be noted that bed assembly 105 can have many different configurations, one of which will be discussed in more detail presently.

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of one embodiment of bed assembly 105 in the box configuration, in accordance with the invention. In this embodiment, bed assembly 105 includes bed frame 106, which is attachable to chassis 102 as discussed above. Bed frame 106 includes longitudinal frame members 115 and 116, and transverse frame members 117 and 118 extending between them. Longitudinal frame members 115 and 116 terminate at rearwardly facing openings 115 a and 116 a, respectively, which are proximate to a rear 103 of vehicle 100 (FIG. 1). Opposed ends of frame members 115 and 116 terminate proximate to cab 101. Frame members 115 and 116 are spaced apart from each other so they can receive a pair of connecting arms.

In this embodiment, transverse frame members 117 and 118 extend perpendicular between longitudinal frame members 115 and 116. Frame member 117 is positioned proximate to ends 115 a and 116 a and frame member 118 is positioned proximate to their opposed ends near cab 101. Frame members 115 and 116 are parallel to each other and frame members 117 and 118 are parallel to each other. Frame members 115 and 116 are perpendicular to frame members 117 and 118 so that bed frame 106 has a rectangular shape.

As mentioned above, vehicle 100 includes storage box 104 carried by bed assembly 105. In this embodiment, storage box 104 is carried by bed frame 106. Storage box 104 can be carried by bed frame 106 at many different locations. In this embodiment, however, storage box 104 is positioned between frame members 115 and 116 and proximate to frame member 117. In this way, storage box 104 is positioned proximate to rear 103 of vehicle 100.

In accordance with the invention, bed frame 106 includes connecting arm receivers 120, 121, 122 and 123 extending outwardly from longitudinal frame member 115. In this embodiment, connecting arm receivers 120, 121, 122 and 123 are spaced apart from each other along the length of longitudinal frame member 115. Connecting arm receivers 120, 121, 122 and 123 extend parallel to each other and perpendicular to longitudinal frame member 115. Connecting arm receiver 120 is positioned proximate to end 115 a and connecting arm receiver 123 is positioned proximate to its opposed end. Connecting arm receivers 121 and 122 are positioned between connecting arm receivers 120 and 123.

Further, bed assembly 105 includes connecting arm receivers 124, 125, 126 and 127 extending outwardly from longitudinal frame member 116. In this embodiment, connecting arm receivers 124, 125, 126 and 127 are spaced apart from each other along the length of longitudinal frame member 116. Connecting arm receivers 124, 125, 126 and 127 extend parallel to each other and perpendicular to longitudinal frame member 116. Connecting arm receiver 124 is positioned proximate to end 116 a and connecting arm receiver 127 is positioned proximate to its opposed end. Connecting arm receivers 125 and 126 are positioned between connecting arm receivers 124 and 127.

In accordance with the invention, bed assembly 105 includes connecting arm receivers 130, 131, 132 and 133 attached to connecting arm receivers 120, 121, 122 and 123, respectively, so they extend downwardly and perpendicular therefrom. Further, bed assembly 105 includes connecting arm receivers 134, 135, 136 and 137 attached to connecting arm receivers 124, 125, 126 and 127, respectively, so they extend downwardly and perpendicular therefrom.

It should be noted that the connecting arm receivers can be attached together in many different ways. For example, they can be welded together or they can be formed as a single integral piece, as will be discussed in more detail presently. It should also be noted that two or more connecting arm receivers connected together forms a connecting arm receiver assembly. One example of a connecting arm assembly is connecting arm assembly 350, which includes connecting arm receivers 124 and 134 attached together. Connecting arm assembly 350 is shown in more detail in FIGS. 6 and 7.

In accordance with the invention, two or more connecting arm receivers are connected together so they can receive connecting arms extending in different directions. For example, in one embodiment, a connecting arm receiver assembly includes an outwardly facing opening for receiving a horizontally extending connecting arm and an upwardly facing opening for receiving a vertically extending connecting arm.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of connecting arm receivers 124 and 134 attached together, in accordance with the invention. In this embodiment, connecting arm receivers 124 and 134 include openings 128 and 129, respectively, extending therethrough. As mentioned above, connecting arm receivers 124 and 134 extend perpendicular to each other so that openings 128 and 129 are perpendicular to each other. This is shown in more detail in FIG. 7, which is a side view of connecting arm receivers 124 and 134 attached together. Here, reference lines 124 a and 134 a extend parallel to connecting arm receivers 124 and 134, respectively. Since connecting arm receivers 124 and 124 are perpendicular to each other, reference lines 124 a and 134 a intersect at an angle Θ that is ninety degrees.

It should be noted that angle Θ can have other values, but ninety degrees is shown here for illustrative purposes. If angle Θ is less than ninety degrees, then panel 109 is tilted, when engaged with connecting arm receiver 134, relative to working surface 113 so it extends outwardly and upwardly from surface 113 at a non-zero angle. If angle Θ is greater than ninety degrees, then panel 109 is tilted, when engaged with connecting arm receiver 134, relative to working surface 113 so it extends outwardly and downwardly from surface 113 at a non-zero angle.

It should also be noted that the other connecting arm receivers included with bed assembly 105 typically have corresponding openings the same or similar to those shown in FIG. 6. However, details of these openings are not shown for simplicity. It should also be noted that opening 128 is for receiving a connecting arm attached to panel 109 when panel 109 is in the flat bed configuration. In this way, opening 128 operates as an outwardly facing opening. Further, opening 129 is for receiving connecting arms attached to panels 107 and/or 109 when panels 107 and 109 are in the box configuration. In this way, opening 129 operates as an upwardly facing opening. The connecting arms attached to panels 107, 108 and 109 will be discussed in more detail presently.

Connecting arm receivers 120-123 are for connecting to side panel 108 and connecting arm receivers 124-127 are for connecting to side panel 109 when panels 108 and 109 are in the flat bed configuration. Further, connecting arm receivers 130-133 are for connecting to side panel 108 and connecting arm receivers 134-137 are for connecting to side panel 109 when panels 108 and 109 are in the box configuration. It should be noted that connecting arm receivers 130 and 134 can also be used to connect to rear panel 107 when rear panel 107 is in the box configuration. The connecting arm receivers of bed frame 106 can be connected to panels 107, 108 and/or 109 in many different ways, one of which will be discussed in more detail presently.

In FIG. 5, side panel 108 includes connecting arms 140, 141, 142 and 143 extending downwardly therefrom. Connecting arms 140, 141, 142 and 143 are for extending into the upwardly facing openings of connecting arm receivers 130, 131, 132 and 133 when panel 108 is in the box configuration. It should be noted that connecting arms 140, 141, 142 and 143 slidingly engage connecting arm receivers 130, 131, 132 and 133, respectively, when panel 108 is in the box configuration. In this way, side panel 108 is slidingly engaged with bed frame 106.

Further, side panel 109 includes connecting arms 144, 145, 146 and 147 extending downwardly therefrom. Connecting arms 144, 145, 146 and 147 are for extending into the upwardly facing openings of connecting arm receivers 134, 135, 136 and 137 when panel 109 is in the box configuration. It should be noted that connecting arms 144, 145, 146 and 147 slidingly engage connecting arm receivers 134, 135, 136 and 137, respectively, when panel 109 is in the box configuration. In this way, side panel 109 is slidingly engaged with bed frame 106.

Rear panel 107 includes connecting arms 148 and 149 extending downwardly therefrom. Connecting arms 148 and 149 are for extending into the upwardly facing openings of connecting arm receivers 130 and 134 when rear panel 107 is in the box configuration. It should be noted that connecting arms 148 and 149 slidingly engage connecting arm receivers 130 and 134, respectively, when panel 107 is in the box configuration. In this way, rear panel 107 is slidingly engaged with bed frame 106.

The upwardly facing opening of connecting arm receiver 130 can be dimensioned to receive both connecting arms 140 and 148. Further, the upwardly facing opening of connecting arm receiver 134 can be dimensioned to receive both connecting arms 144 and 149. In this way, bed assembly 105 is in the box configuration, as shown in FIG. 1, and provides containment volume 112.

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of bed assembly 105 in the flat bed configuration, in accordance with the invention. In this embodiment, connecting arms 140, 141, 142 and 143 are received by the outwardly facing openings of connecting arm receivers 120, 121, 122 and 123, respectively, and panel 108 is held on the flat bed configuration. It should be noted that connecting arms 140, 141, 142 and 143 slidingly engage connecting arm receivers 120, 121, 122 and 123, respectively, when panel 108 is in the flat bed configuration.

Further, connecting arms 144, 145, 146 and 147 are received by the outwardly facing openings of connecting arm receivers 124, 125, 126 and 127, respectively, and panel 109 is held on the flat bed configuration. It should be noted that connecting arms 144, 145, 146 and 147 slidingly engage connecting arm receivers 124, 125, 126 and 127, respectively, when panel 108 is in the flat bed configuration. In this way, bed assembly 105 is in the flat bed configuration, as shown in FIG. 2. If desired, connecting arms 148 and 149 of rear panel 107 can be inserted into the upwardly facing openings of connecting arm receivers 130 and 134.

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of bed assembly 105 having rear extension 110. In this embodiment, a pair of connecting arms 150 and 151 extend away from panel 110. Connecting arms 150 and 151 are sized and shaped and spaced apart from each other to be received by rearwardly facing openings 115 a and 116 a at the ends of frame members 115 and 116, respectively. Connecting arms 150 and 151 can be extended into frame members 115 and 116 a distance so that rear extension 110 is positioned proximate to frame member 117. In this way, bed assembly 105 is in the flat bed configuration shown in FIG. 3. It should be noted, however, that rear panel 110 can be spaced apart from frame assembly 106 so that rear panel 111 can be positioned therebetween, as will be discussed in more detail presently.

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of bed assembly 105 with rear panels 110 and 111. In this embodiment, connecting arms 150 and 151 are inserted into the rearwardly facing openings 115 a and 116 a. However, connecting arms 150 and 151 are inserted into openings 115 a and 116 a so that rear panel 110 is spaced from frame member 117 and rear panel extension 111 can be positioned therebetween. In this embodiment, a pair of brackets 152 and 153 are carried by rear panel extension 111 and face downwardly so that they engage connecting arms 150 and 151, respectively. In this way, rear panels 110 and 111 increase the area of work surface 113, as shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 11 is a rear perspective view of a vehicle 200 having a vehicle bed 201 and a vehicle bumper 400 and a trailer hitch 401. In this embodiment, vehicle bed 201 includes opposed sidewalls 203 and 204 extending upwardly from a bed floor 202. Sidewalls 203 and 204 extend along the driver and passenger sides, respectively, of vehicle 200. In accordance with the invention, longitudinal frame members 115 and 116 extend through vehicle bed 201 so rearwardly facing openings are proximate to rear 103 of vehicle 100. Further, connecting arm receivers 120, 121, 122 and 123 extend through sidewall 203 and connecting arm receivers 124, 125, 126 and 127 extend through sidewall 204. It should be noted that longitudinal frame members 115 and 116 are positioned below connecting arm receivers 120-127. This allows the connecting arm receivers engaged with frame members 115 and 116 to be positioned below the connecting arm receivers engaged with connecting arm receivers 120-127. The rearwardly facing openings of longitudinal frame members 115 and 116 are positioned above vehicle bumper 400 and trailer hitch 401.

It should also be noted that the outwardly facing openings of connecting arm receivers 120-123 face outwardly from a channel 209, which extends through sidewall 203. A channel also extends through sidewall 204, as shown in FIG. 15. Channel 209 is useful to strengthen the engagement between the connecting arms that connecting arm receivers 120-123 are engaged with, as will be discussed in more detail presently.

FIGS. 12 and 13 are perspective and side views, respectively, of connecting arm receiver 124 with opening 128 facing channel 209, in accordance with the invention. In this embodiment, sidewall 203 includes a connecting arm support surface 209 a which extends proximate to opening 128. A reference line 209 b extends perpendicular to connecting arm support surface 209 a and perpendicular to reference line 124 a. Connecting arm support surface 209 a is positioned to engage the connecting arm inserted into opening 128 and provides support for it.

FIG. 14 is a rear perspective view of a vehicle 216 having vehicle bed 201. In this embodiment, sidewalls 203 and 204 terminate below vehicle bed 201 so that surface 209 a is below it. A table 211 supports a vice 210 and has a connecting arm (not shown) engaged with connecting arm receiver 123 and a table 212 has a connecting arm (not shown) engaged with connecting arm receiver 121.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a vehicle 217 having connecting arm receivers 124 and 134 extending through channel 209 of sidewall 204. In this embodiment, connecting arm receiver 134 extends through sidewall 204, as shown in FIG. 16, so that opening 129 faces upwardly through upper surface 209 a. Connecting arm receiver 124 extends perpendicular to connecting arm 134, so that opening 128 is perpendicular to opening 129. In this way, a connecting arm of an accessory can extend perpendicular or parallel to surface 209 a. In accordance with the invention, the connecting arm is supported by connecting arm support surface 209 a when it extends through opening 128. The accessory can be of many different types, several of which will be discussed in more detail presently.

FIG. 17 is a side view of vehicle 200 shown in FIG. 11. In this embodiment, vehicle 200 includes connecting arms 220 and 221 extending through sidewall 203. Connecting arms 220 and/or 221 can be used to engage a connecting arm of an accessory, such as the accessories discussed in more detail above. In this embodiment, connecting arm receivers 220 and 221 are the same or similar to the connecting arm receivers discussed above and they can be connected to bed frame 106 and/or vehicle chassis 102.

FIG. 18 is a cut-away side view of vehicle 200 showing connecting arm receiver 220 extending therethrough so its opening for receiving a connecting arm faces rearwardly. It should be noted that connecting arm receiver 220 can be positioned at many different orientations relative to vehicle body 129, as indicated by the dashed lines. It should also be noted that a cap 225, as shown in FIG. 19, can be inserted into connecting arm receiver 220 when it is not in use. Cap 225 generally includes a head portion 226 to facilitate its engagement with vehicle body 129.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of an electrician's reel 250, in accordance with the invention. In this embodiment, reel 250 includes a connecting arm 260 attached to a reel support arm 255 through a mounting plate 256. Mounting plate is positioned to limit the distance that connecting arm 260 can be inserted into a connecting arm receiver by engaging a sidewall, such as sidewalls 203 and 204. Connecting arm 260 can be engaged with many of the other connecting arm receivers discussed above, such as connecting arm receiver 134 of FIG. 11.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a barbecue accessory 251 having connecting arms 260 and 261 extending outwardly therefrom mounting plates 256 and 257, respectively.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a winch accessory 252 having connecting arm 260 extending outwardly therefrom. In this embodiment, connecting arm 260 is rotatable, as indicated by the movement arrow, so that winch accessory 252 is rotatable relative to the vehicle it is attached to. This is useful so that winch accessory 252 can be aligned relative to a pull direction to reduce the amount of torque between winch accessory 252 and the vehicle.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a container accessory 253 having connecting arms 260 and 261 extending outwardly therefrom. Container accessory 253 is useful for containing one or more items.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a rack accessory 270 having connecting arms 260 and 261 extending outwardly therefrom. Rack accessory 270 includes hooks 273 and 274 or other supports. Rack accessory 270 can also include straps or other securing mechanisms for securing items to it.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a ski and surf rack accessory 271 having connecting arms 260 and 261 extending outwardly therefrom. Accessory 271 is useful for supporting and transporting objects such as snow skis, snow boards, water skis, and/or surf boards.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a ramp accessory 272. Ramp accessory 272 has vertically extending connecting arms 260 and 261 which extend downwardly therefrom for supporting one end of ramp accessory 272 in connecting arm receivers while another end rests on the ground. This is useful for facilitating loading of a wheeled vehicle or other object onto vehicle bed 201. Ramp accessory 272 also includes horizontally extending connecting arms 275 and 276 which facilitate its use as a table.

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a vehicle 280 with vehicle bed 201 having bed floor 202 extending between opposed sidewalls 203 and 204. In accordance with the invention, connecting arm receiver extensions 281 and 282 are positioned on floor 202 proximate to sidewall 204. In this embodiment, connecting arm receiver extensions 281 and 282 include outwardly facing openings 283 and 284, respectively. In accordance with the invention, connecting arm receiver extensions 281 and 282 extend from bed floor 202 so that openings 283 and 284 are positioned at a level above sidewall 204. In this way, openings 283 and 284 can be used to receive connecting arms which extends over sidewall 204. The connecting arms are typically connected to an accessory, several of which are discussed in more detail above.

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a vehicle 285 with vehicle bed 201 having bed floor 202 extending between sidewalls 203 and 204. In accordance with the invention, connecting arm receivers 124 and 127 are positioned so that their corresponding outwardly facing openings are positioned below sidewall 204. In this way, the openings of connecting arm receivers 124 and 127 can be used to receive connecting arms which extend below sidewall 204. In this embodiment, connecting arm receiver 134 is attached to connecting arm receiver 124 so it extends upwardly through an upper surface of sidewall 204. Further, connecting arm receiver 137 is attached to connecting arm receiver 127 so it extends upwardly through an upper surface of sidewall 204. In this way, connecting arm receivers 134 and 137 can be used to receive vertically extending connecting arms.

In accordance with the invention, a connecting arm receiver assembly 360 can be engaged with the upwardly facing openings of connecting arm receivers 134 and 137. One embodiment of a connecting arm receiver assembly is shown in FIG. 28 and denoted as connecting arm receiver assembly 360. In this embodiment, connecting arm receiver assembly 360 includes a downwardly extending connecting arm 361 attached to one end of a sidewardly extending arm 362. A downwardly extending connecting arm 363 has one of its ends attached to the opposed end of sidewardly extending connecting arm 362. A sidewardly extending connecting arm receiver 364 extends sidewardly from the opposed end of downwardly extending connecting arm 363. Sidewardly extending connecting arm receiver 364 includes a sidewardly facing opening 366 which faces away from downwardly extending connecting arm 361.

In accordance with the invention, downwardly extending connecting arm 361 is engaged with an upwardly facing opening of a connecting arm receiver, such as connecting arm receivers 134 and 137. Downwardly extending connecting arms 361 and 363 are spaced apart from each other by sidewardly extending connecting arm 362 so that there is an opening 365 between them. Opening 365 is for receiving sidewardly 204 when downwardly extending connecting arm 361 is engaged with the upwardly facing opening. Hence, sidewardly facing opening 366 is positioned at a location intermediate to the upper and lower portions of sidewall 204. In this way, a sidewardly facing opening for receiving a connecting arm is provided without having a connecting arm receiver extend through a sidewall of vehicle 285.

There can be many other connecting assemblies that can be used to engage connecting arm receivers 134 and 137, several examples of which are shown in FIGS. 37 and 38. In FIG. 37, a connecting arm assembly 370 includes a longitudinally extending arm 362 with arms 361, 363 and 364 positioned at opposed ends of it. Arm 362 extends longitudinally so it operates as a platform which extends along the upper surface of sidewall 204. In this way, two sidewardly facing openings 366 are provided at opposed ends of arm 362.

FIG. 38 is a side view of a connecting assembly 380 which includes a longitudinally extending platform 381 with connecting arms 382 and 383 extending downwardly therefrom and spaced apart from each other. Connecting arms 382 and 383 are spaced apart from each other so they can be inserted into connecting arm receivers 134 and 137, respectively. It should be noted, however, that connecting arms 382 and 383 can be inserted into connecting arm receivers 137 and 134, respectively, if desired. In accordance with the invention, connecting assembly 380 includes horizontally facing connector receivers 384 and 385 for receiving the connecting arms of an accessory.

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a vehicle 285, in accordance with the invention. In this embodiment, vehicle 285 includes connecting arm receivers 124 and 134 attached together to form a connecting arm receiver assembly 350, wherein connecting arm receiver 134 extends upwardly from connecting arm receiver 124 and between its ends, as indicated by an arrow 219. Connecting arm receivers 124 and 134 both extend through sidewall 204 of vehicle 285. Connecting arm receiver 124 provides an outwardly facing opening for receiving a horizontally extending connecting arm. Further, connecting arm receiver 125 provides an upwardly facing opening for receiving a vertically extending connecting arm. It should be noted that connecting arm receivers 124 and 125 can be separate elements attached together, such as by welding, or they can be formed as a single integral piece.

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of a vehicle 286 having vehicle bed 201 with bed floor 202. In accordance with the invention, connecting arm receivers 122 and 123 are attached to a bottom surface of vehicle bed 201 so they are positioned between bed 201 and rear tire 300. In this way, connecting arms 122 and 123 are positioned on one side of a reference line 204 and rear tire 300 is positioned on the opposed side of reference line 204. Hence, connecting arm receivers 124 and 127 are positioned above rear tire 300 and below vehicle bed 201.

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of a vehicle 290 having floor 202 extending between opposed sidewalls 203 and 204. In accordance with the invention, vehicle 290 includes a tailgate 291, shown in more detail in FIG. 32, which carries connecting arm receivers 292 and 293. Connecting arm receivers 292 and 293 are positioned so that their outwardly facing openings face rearwardly when tailgate 291 is lowered and faces upwardly when tailgate 290 is raised. Tailgate 291 is repeatably moveable between raised and lowered positions. Tailgate 291 is perpendicular to floor 202 when in the raised position and tailgate 291 is in the parallel position when in the lowered position. It should be noted that connecting arm receivers 292 and 293 are shown as being attached to the exterior of tailgate 291. However, in other embodiments, connecting arm receivers 292 and 293 can extend through tailgate 291.

FIG. 33 is a perspective view of another tailgate, embodied as tailgate 294. In this embodiment, tailgate 294 includes connecting arm receiver 292, which extends perpendicular to connecting arm receivers 292 and 293 of FIG. 32. It should be noted that tailgate 294 can replace tailgate 291 of vehicle 290.

FIG. 34 is a rear view of a vehicle 285, in accordance with the invention. In this embodiment, vehicle 285 includes vehicle bed 201. In accordance with the invention, longitudinal frame members 115 and 116 extend through vehicle bed 201 so that openings 115 a and 116 a face rearwardly. Connecting arm receivers 120 and 124 also extend through vehicle bed 201 in a direction perpendicular to longitudinal frame members 115 and 116. Connecting arm receivers 120 and 124 provide side facing openings for receiving connecting arms. Further, connecting arm receivers 130 and 134 extend downwardly and away from connecting arm receivers 124 and 125, respectively. It should be noted that connecting arm receivers 120 and 130 can be attached together, and connecting arm receiver 124 can be attached to longitudinal frame member 115. Further, connecting arm receivers 124 and 134 can be attached together, and connecting arm receiver 120 can be attached to longitudinal frame member 116. As indicated by an arrow 219, connecting arm receivers 124 and 134 are connected together and connecting arm receiver 124 is connected to longitudinal frame member 116 to form a connecting arm receiver assembly 352.

FIG. 35 is a rear view of vehicle 288 having longitudinal frame members 115, 116 and 117. In this embodiment, frame members 115, 116 and 117 extend through vehicle bed 203 and provide corresponding rearwardly facing openings. Longitudinal frame members 115, 116 and 117 extend below connecting arm receivers 124 and 125. In some embodiments connecting arm receivers 124 and 125 can be connected to frame members 115, 116 and/or 117. However, they are shown as being unconnected in this embodiment.

FIG. 36 is a rear perspective view of a vehicle 290, in accordance with the invention. In this embodiment, vehicle 290 includes vehicle bed 201 with longitudinal frame members 115 and 116 extending therethrough. Longitudinal frame member 117 extends through vehicle bed 201 at a location below frame members 115 and 116. Frame member 117 can be used to engage a trailer hitch, if desired, or a connecting arm of an accessory.

In this embodiment, a connecting arm receiver 220 extends through sidewall 203 and connecting arm receiver 123 extends below sidewall 203. It should be noted that connecting arm receiver 123 does not extend through sidewall 203. Connecting arm receivers 123 and 220 can be used to engage a pair of connecting arms of an accessory, so that the accessory extends away from sidewall 203.

In this embodiment, channel 209 extends through the upper portion of sidewall 203. Further, connecting arm receivers 123 and 133 extend through channel 209, as shown in more detail in FIG. 16.

In this embodiment, storage box 104 extends through vehicle bed 201 and is positioned between sidewalls 203 and 204. Storage box 104 is positioned between longitudinal frame members 115 and 116, and above longitudinal frame member 117.

The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention. 

1. A vehicle having a vehicle bumper and a rear tire, comprising: a vehicle bed; and a first connecting arm receiver attached to the bottom of the vehicle bed, the first connecting arm receiver being positioned above the rear tire and away from the vehicle bumper.
 2. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the first connecting arm receiver extends transversely to the vehicle bed and has a sidewardly facing opening.
 3. The vehicle of claim 2, further a second connecting arm receiver attached to the first connecting arm receiver.
 4. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the connecting arm receiver extends longitudinally to the vehicle bed and has a rearwardly facing opening.
 5. The vehicle of claim 3, wherein the rearwardly facing opening is positioned above the vehicle bumper.
 6. The vehicle of claim 3, further including a trailer hitch, wherein the rearwardly facing opening is positioned above the trailer hitch.
 7. The vehicle of claim 5, further including another connecting arm receiver extending longitudinally to the vehicle bed and having a rearwardly facing opening positioned above the trailer hitch.
 8. A vehicle having a vehicle bumper, comprising: a vehicle bed; a first longitudinally extending connecting arm receiver extending through the vehicle bed and having a rearward facing opening; wherein the rearward opening of the first longitudinally extending connecting arm is positioned above the vehicle bumper.
 9. The vehicle of claim 8, further including a trailer hitch receiver positioned below the first longitudinally extending connecting arm receiver.
 10. The vehicle of claim 8, further including a second longitudinally extending connecting arm receiver which extends through the vehicle bed and has a rearward facing opening.
 11. The vehicle of claim 8, further including a second longitudinally extending connecting arm receiver which is attached to the bottom of the vehicle bed.
 12. The vehicle of claim 8, further including a horizontally extending connecting arm receiver attached to the first longitudinally extending connecting arm receiver.
 13. The vehicle of claim 11, wherein the horizontally extending connecting arm receiver includes a sidewardly facing opening.
 14. The vehicle of claim 11, further including an upwardly extending connecting arm receiver having an upwardly extending opening, the upwardly extending connecting arm receiver being attached to the horizontally extending connecting arm receiver.
 15. A vehicle, comprising: a bed frame having a longitudinal frame member with a rearwardly facing opening; and a connecting arm receiver assembly attached to the longitudinal frame member, the connecting arm receiver assembly including two or more connecting arm receivers attached together; wherein the connecting arm receivers extend at non-zero angles relative to each other.
 16. The vehicle of claim 15, wherein the vehicle includes a sidewall through which the connecting arm receiver assembly extends.
 17. The vehicle of claim 15, wherein a portion of the connecting arm receiver assembly extends through a sidewall of the vehicle and another portion extends below the sidewall.
 18. The vehicle of claim 15, wherein the connecting arm receiver assembly includes vertically and horizontally extending connecting arm receivers.
 19. The vehicle of claim 18, wherein the vertically extending connecting arm receiver extends upwardly through a sidewall of the vehicle.
 20. The vehicle of claim 15, wherein the connecting arm receiver assembly includes openings which face different directions. 